Researching geography and pilgrimage in Ireland

Using Video in Research

As part of my methodology, I am making video recordings of pilgrimage practices and events. These videos will be used alongside other records, such as my own notes and photos, to described and understand the activities I am researching. Similar to my previous comments on the use of audio recordings, I feel that video can capture a real sense of what is happening in a place, especially since my work includes a focus on the actual movements and corporealities of these performances.

My readings on qualitative research methods and the use of video, within the social sciences and the discipline of geography, have revealed several prominent themes that emerge around video as a research technique. Following a common trope in academic writing, any purposeful discussion of video mentions that the topic has been given little proper scholarly attention. However, it is still possible to identify a number of key points within the discourses, which I have briefly summarised.

The good

It allows for comprehensive documentation of an event, place or scene which can be edited and enhanced, and can be returned to time and time again for analysis

It combines focused visual and audio elements, giving a greater sense of events and place

It can be used to convey complexities than text or even photography may find difficult, if not impossible, to represent

When used in conjunction with other more established research methods, it can increase our potential to understand places, people and activities

It is highly suited to the study of action, movements and momentary encounters/events